Chapter 70 - Access

It’s been three days since the incident with Jodan, and by now; everything had returned to normal within the academy.

I did hear from Professor Ulfar that Jodan survived, but he’s still unconscious.

I was relieved to know that he’s alive. I’m glad that I saved someone.

Anyway, I told Professor Ulfar what I realized about Jodan’s situation, that someone might’ve purposely tried to turn him into a corrupted one after our fight.

And hearing this, Professor Ulfar frowned.

There is no known method of turning someone into a corrupted one. All that is known is that corrupted ones are made by succumbing to the temptation of the demons.

Demons that will approach people one way or another who are bearing strong negative feelings because that’s what attracts them.

But even with the lack of evidence, and it’s only my words—

"I will keep what you said in mind. I will inform the others about this information as well."

Professor Ulfar didn’t dismiss it.

This is why I like him in the game, his character is so strict, but he listens to his students and he really cares about them.

"Thank you."

I responded with a small bow of my head.

*****

This is the fourth day since the incident.

And currently... I’m walking toward the headmaster’s office.

I received a summon yesterday via text, but since the headmaster was busy with work—he told me to go the next morning, and that’s why I’m here.

Tok- Tok- Tok-

I stood outside the polished double door on the fifth floor of the administrative wing, bringing my knuckles against the heavy wood in three sharp knocks.

"Come in."

The calm, melodic voice of Headmaster Sebastian Desmond echoed through the door.

I pushed the double doors open and stepped into the broad, sunlit office. The towering bookshelves lined with ancient grimoires and delicate magical artifacts looked just as grand as they had during our group reward presentation, and the massive crystal window spanned the far wall, bathing the room in clear morning light.

The headmaster was standing behind his desk, a warm smile gracing his handsome, youthful face.

"Ah, Vael. Take a seat."

He gestured toward the soft leather sofas in the center of the room. I walked over and took my seat, keeping my posture respectful as I rested my hands on my lap.

"I apologize for making you wait until today."

The headmaster said smoothly, walking around his desk and leaning lightly against its edge.

"The investigation regarding the incident during the joint session kept me occupied longer than I anticipated."

"It’s no trouble at all, Headmaster."

I replied, keeping my tone steady.

Headmaster Sebastian stared at me for a long moment, his ocean-like eyes scanning me with deep intrigue.

"I called you here today to personally commend your actions."

He began, his voice taking on a serious edge.

"What you did during your joint session with the [C CLASS] was exceptional. You contained a wild eruption of repulsive energy and saved a fellow student’s life without causing harm to anyone around you."

"I simply acted to protect myself, my body moved on its own."

I said modestly, lowering my head slightly.

"You’re a modest kid, huh."

The headmaster chuckled softly, crossing his arms.

"However, the academy does not leave such bravery unrewarded. Because of your quick thinking and decisive action, the administrative board has approved a special commendation for you. You are entitled to a personal reward from the academy."

He smiled, looking down at me intently.

"So, Vael... What is it that you desire? Within my power, I shall grant it."

I looked up, my mind racing as I weighed my options. In the original game storyline, Zion was the one who received this exact personal reward after surviving his battle against Jodan.

And when offered a request by the headmaster, Zion had asked for a very specific privilege.

’I need this.’

I thought to myself, fixing my gaze firmly on the archmage standing before me.

"Headmaster..."

I spoke up, my voice completely clear and unwavering.

"If it’s possible... I would like to request personal access to the dungeon we used during our freshman evaluation test."

And then I declared that.

The headmaster raised an eyebrow, a flicker of genuine surprise passing over his striking blue eyes.

"The evaluation dungeon?"

He repeated, tilting his head slightly.

"May I ask why? Most students your age would request high-tier artifacts, rare spellbooks, or institutional funding."

"I need a controlled environment to train my dual-wielding style."

"And also, I have a bound-artifact already... I can’t really use the spell books... and I already got plenty of money from the additional reward I received last time from placing first in the individual ranking."

I explained calmly, maintaining standard prose as I laid out my reasoning.

"The standard training grounds have time limits and restricted mana usage, but the dungeon offers real monsters, varied terrain, and an environment where I can push my frost magic to its absolute limits without endangering others."

I paused, letting my words settle before adding a final point.

"Furthermore, since I know the layout of that specific floor, it is the safest place for me to conduct training."

Headmaster Sebastian listened intently, tapping his finger against his arm as he pondered my request. The room fell into a brief, expectant silence.

"A reasonable request."

He finally said, a proud smile breaking out across his face.

"In fact, it shows great foresight. Many young students become complacent after achieving high ranks, but you are actively seeking ways to sharpen your edge."

He reached into his tailcoat pocket and pulled out a small, metallic silver plaque decorated with the academy’s crest. Then with a light flick of his wrist, he tossed it across the small gap between us. I reached out and caught it smoothly in my palm.

"That plaque will grant you access to the portal gate, just head to the location and I will have the staff members informed of your access."

Sebastian declared energetically.

"You are granted permission to enter and leave the evaluation dungeon at your leisure outside of class hours. However..."

His gentle expression turned sharp for a split second, the heavy aura of a hundred-year-old scholar mage pulsing faintly around him.

"Do not push past the safe boundaries of the explored floors, and make sure to have a party. That plaque will allow you to bring four more people inside the dungeon, so you can go with your party members again."

He stated that.

"If you find yourself in danger, use the emergency recall rune attached to that plaque immediately. It can take your whole group too... Am I understood?"

Headmaster Sebastian asked.

"Understood. Thank you very much, Headmaster."

I replied, bowing my head deeply as I closed my hand securely around the cool silver plaque.

*****

After exiting the administrator building, I held the plaque tightly in my pocket as I walked down the quiet stone path toward the main courtyard.

Securing unrestricted entry to the evaluation dungeon was a massive victory for my future plans.

In the original game, that dungeon wasn’t just a simple testing ground for freshmen. Tucked away in the deeper, unexplored sub-layers were rare mana crystals, hidden training rooms, and specific monster drops that could drastically speed up my combat growth.

More importantly, having a private, isolated space meant I could practice my frost magic and dual-wielding combinations without anyone spying on my progress or analyzing my techniques.

’Now I don’t have to rely purely on basic arena spars to grow stronger.’

I thought to myself, a genuine sense of satisfaction rising in my chest.

... ... ...

... ... ...

... ... ...

As I made my way toward the cafeteria to grab an early lunch before my afternoon schedule, I spotted a familiar figure walking down the corridor ahead of me.

It was Zion. He was carrying his heavy blade over his shoulder, humming a casual tune as he strolled through the sunlit hallway.

"Hey, Zion!"

I called out, quickening my pace to catch up to him.

Zion stopped and turned around, his eyes lighting up with a bright smile the moment he saw me.

"Oh, Vael! Good morning!"

He greeted cheerfully, resting his hand on his hip.

"Where have you been? I checked your dorm earlier, but you were already gone."

"I just came back from the headmaster’s office."

I told him, stopping beside him as we began walking toward the dining hall together.

"The headmaster’s office?"

Zion blinked, looking at me with a curious expression.

"Did he call you for something important?"

"Yeah."

I nodded.

"He gave me a personal reward for what happened during the joint session."

"Whoa, really?!"

"That’s awesome! What did you ask for? More money? Or maybe a super cool spellbook?"

Zion exclaimed, his eyes wide with genuine excitement.

I let out a short laugh, shaking my head lightly.

"No, nothing like that."

I replied, pulling the silver plaque out of my pocket for a second to show him before sliding it back in.

"I requested private access to the evaluation dungeon so I can train whenever I want."

Zion stared at me for a moment, then a wide, grin spread across his face as he slapped his hand against my shoulder in a rough, friendly gesture.

"Man, you really are something else, Vael!"

Zion laughed loudly.

"Here I thought you’d ask for another pile of gold, but you picked a place to grind! That’s so like you!"

"It’s the most practical thing I need right now... I need a place where I can practice without holding back."

I said with a slight shrug of my shoulders.

"Well, if you ever need a sparring partner inside that dungeon, just let me know!"

Zion chimed in, pounding his chest proudly.

"I won’t lose to you next time we clash!"

"I’ll hold you to that, the headmaster said that I should always enter with a party. I’m planning to go with you and the others."

I replied, smiling faintly as we pushed open the doors to the noisy, crowded cafeteria.

"Haha, you’re really the best!"

Zion exclaimed after hearing that. He’s just as excited as I am in entering the dungeon again.

... ... ...

... ... ...

... ... ...

After our short conversation, Zion and I grabbed our lunch trays and headed toward our usual table near the center of the hall. Cindy was already sitting there, sipping a juice box while reading through her lecture notes.

"Morning, Cindy."

I greeted as Zion and I sat down across from her.

"Morning, Vael. Morning, Zion."

Cindy replied, closing her book and looking up at us.

"Did something good happen? You two look like you’re in a surprisingly good mood."

"Vael just got personal access to the evaluation dungeon from the headmaster as a reward!"

Zion blurted out before I could even take a bite of my food.

Cindy’s eyes widened in surprise as she looked over at me.

"Really? That’s incredible, Vael."

She said, giving me an approving nod.

"Access to institutional dungeons is usually restricted to upperclassmen or specialized combat squads."

"It’ll make training a lot easier, and I’m planning you bring you guys with me."

I told her, picking up my utensils.

"Really?!"

Cindy looks excited as well after hearing that. Her eyes were basically shining.

But not long after that, she looked at me seriously. Then opening her mouth--

"Vael, just don’t overexert yourself."

Cindy reminded me gently, her tone filled with practical concern.

"You just recovered from severe mana exhaustion three days ago."

"Don’t worry, I know my limits."

I reassured her with a calm nod.

As the three of us ate and chatted casually about our upcoming coursework, I felt a familiar sense of warmth settle over me.

Despite the chaotic shift in events, the dark conspiracy brewing in the shadows, and the lingering threat of future corrupted incidents, having reliable companions by my side made navigating this world much more manageable.

I finished my meal, looking down at my hands as I lightly clenched my fingers into fists.

The main plot had shifted, but I was adapting fast. With my new silver dagger, my refined dual-wielding style, and unrestricted access to a high-density training dungeon, I was no longer just a passive side character trying to survive the sidelines.

I was going to push my frost magic further than the game ever intended Vael Frostguard to go.

"I guess it’s time to level up."